Dereham Operatic Society

Welcome to the Dereham Operatic Society Website

Box Office :

Tel: 01362 694222

Hallmark,
12 Nelson Pl
Dereham, NR19 1EA

Dereham Memorial Hall, where most of our productions are performed

Dereham Operatic Society is a charitable Trust and was formed in 1948 to offer the local community education and enlightenment in amateur dramatic arts. A very grand way of saying that DOS was formed to entertain the people of Dereham and Norfolk!

Our Shakespearian motto "Mere folk who give distraction are we" comes from Cole Porter's musical "Kiss Me Kate", which we first performed in 1970, and is based upon one of William Shakespeare's most famous plays "The Taming of the Shrew".

We at Dereham Operatic Society, or DOS as we are affectionately known, stage three productions a year including a major musical in the autumn, a pantomime over the Christmas period and a play in the spring. So, as you can see, there is something for everyone.

If you are looking to join one of the premier operatic and dramatic societies in Norfolk as either a performer (we actively encourage all whatever your ability or experience, whether you are a singer, an actor, dancer, or just enjoy being on stage), backstage helper, front of house staff or just looking to purchase some tickets for our next show ........ you need look no further than the Dereham Operatic Society.

Welcome to our website

Quick Contacts

Tickets: 01362 694222

Info: 01362 691667

Chairman
Martyn Rolfe
37 School Ln
Sprowston
Norwich NR7 8TG
martyn dot rolfe at ntlworld dot com
Tel : 01603 408017
 
Secretary
Julia Havis
email: julia dot havis at btinternet dot com
Tel :  07919 031598
 
Bookings
Hallmark,
12 Nelson Pl
Dereham, NR19 1EA
Tel : 01362 694222
 
Rehearsal Studio
The Studio
Rear of Dereham Memorial Hall
61 Norwich Street
East Dereham
Norfolk, NR19 1AD
Tel : 01362 693832

 "The Scarlet Pimpernel"

 
REVIEW : From EDP 24 - 10th OCTOBER 2005
 
BY : Richard Parr
 
They seek him here, they seek him there.... the enigmatic Scarlet Pimpernel proved an elusive figure to capture in this musical entertainment on Saturday's opening night.
 
Dereham Operatic Society was staging the Norfolk premiere of the story turned into musical theatre and they coped well with an ambitious production.  The orchestra, under the director Charlie Caine, provided sensitive and dramatic accompaniment if being, at times, rather too loud.
 
This is an unfamiliar musical for many people but potential audiences should not be put off becuase it is a wonderful lavishly-costumed show featuring some excellent voices in the leading roles.
 
There were some fine solo performances in this tale of Sir Percy Blakeney (the Scarlet Pimpernel) leading a double life as a reckless hero rescuing innocent victims from the guillotine during the French Revolution.
 
David Rees lent his find commanding voice and stage presence to the demanding leading role.  He ably brought out the delightful humour of the character as he outfoxed the evil Chauvelin.
 
Chris Dilley, whom fans will remember in the leading role in Jesus Christ Superstar with the Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society, was excellent in the role of the fiendish and arrogant Chauvelin.  His fine voice did justice to a number of solo numbers and duets.  In his scenes opposite Julie Hewitt, as lovely Marguerite St Just, the couple built up a sexual chemistry and their duets were a delight.  Miss Hewitt gave a stunning portrayal as Sir Percy's wife as she fell under the spell of the menacing Chauvelin.
 
Sir Percy's six "bounders" added a rich costume and comic thread to the action, particularly in the first act building up to a more powerful, emotially-charged second act.
 
Director Greg Fitch deserves congratulations on an accomplished production which further adds to the society's imprssive stable of quality musicals.
 
SHOW PHOTOGRAPHS 
 

PHOTOCALL PUBLICITY SHOOTS 

Chauvelin (Chris Dilley)
 
Marguerite St Just (Julie Hewitt)
Sir Percy Blakeney (David Rees)
 
Viv Soddy (Wardrobe Mistress),
The Mask & Sir Percy Blakeney
(David Rees)
Sir Percy Blakeney (David Rees) &
Marguerite St Just (Julie Hewitt)
 Cast List
Sir Percy Blakeney
David Rees
Marguerite St Just
Julie Hewitt
Chauvelin
Chris Dilley
Armand St Just
Paul Fawcett
Marie
Sarah Browne
Sir Percy's Gang
Nick Bird, Nick King, Paul Woodhouse, Andy Lofthouse, Martyn Rolfe, Colin Harris
Prince of Wales + Chorus
Peter Mottram
Robespierre
John McInnes
St CYR + Chorus
Peter Dear
Male Chorus:
Gareth Evans, Adam Field-Wright, Tom Monument and Michael Smith
Ladies Chorus:
Kerrie Barnett, Linda Campbell, Kayleigh Copsey, Amy Cuenca, Marjorie Dingle, Patricia Goodwins, Jennie Groom, Jacquie Hardy, Ruth Hannent, Val Lofthouse, Joanne Madden, Joyce Neale, Heather Neave, Hannah Rolfe, Joan Syrett, Lisa Parnham, Lavinia Pirret and Jeanie Woods.

 

 

September 2010

Diary Dates

May Newsletter (1.34 Mb)

The Matchgirls

Northgate High School
27th to 30th Oct
Priority Booking 13th Sep

Christmas Party

Kings Head, Dereham
Sat 4th December